HUNDREDS of pensioners across Merseyside have been left without cash because ofa computer mix-up.

HUNDREDS of pensioners across Merseyside have been left without cash because ofa computer mix-up.

Money from the state pension was not paid into accounts last Friday.

When pensioners tried for a second time this week to draw out money, it was still not available.

Pensioners and people on incapacity benefit have suffered because of the problem.

Nationally, 140,000 payments were delayed over New Year.

It follows similar computer problems over the Christmas weekend which also left pensioners without cash.

John Stack, 66, from Crosby, was left without money.

He said: "The money was due to be paid last Friday but it wasn't.

"It is going to cause a lot of difficulties for many people."

Mr Stack added: "The problem becomes more frustrating because when you phone the helpline number on the card, you can't get any answer."

The Post Office Card Account was introduced to replace pensions and benefits books.

People claiming pensions and benefits now use a swipe card and pin number to withdraw from special post office accounts set up to receive the benefits.

A spokesman for the Department for Work and Pensions was today unable to explain the cause of the delays, but the government has pledged to carry out a full investigation.

He said: "Nationally, approximately 140,000 pensioners and incapacity benefit recipients were affected by a payment delay over the Bank Holiday weekend.

"If a benefit payment is due on a Bank Holiday, customers will have access to their money in advance. On Friday, December 31, we had planned to pay pensioners and benefit recipients their money which was due on Monday, January 3.

"For the vast majority of people this happened. However, unfortunately, some customers were not paid on time.

"The DWP is investigating the delay as a matter of urgency and sincerely apologises for the inconvenience caused.